Trustees hear civil rights presentation, honor resident

By Billy Ludt

bludt@vindy.com

AUSTINTOWN

Township trustees on Monday heard a presentation on civil rights and housing, donated a van to the township hazardous- materials unit and honored a community member.

The late Jack Myers, 71, was known for riding around the township on his electric scooter, no matter the weather. He died Thursday after a short illness.

“One of my favorite Jack Myers stories was watching him literally shovel a sidewalk of snow so he could go to Denny’s,” said Trustee Rick Stauffer.

Myers had placed a snow shovel on the front of his scooter and drove snow out of the way, he said.

Stauffer continued: “He was a person that had overcome his disability – he wouldn’t even consider it a disability.”

Anna DeAscentis, Mahoning County fair housing coordinator, gave a presentation on housing in relation to civil-rights protections. Protected classes under Ohio’s laws against discrimination include disability, age, familial status, military status, race, color, national origin, age and religion.

“The fair housing is only geared toward those civil rights, protected classes, in relation to mortgages, renting and where you want to live if you have been discriminated against,” she said.

Fair housing is a service required through the Community Development Block Grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mahoning County’s fair housing authority can be reached at 330-787-8977.

A new minivan was given to Austintown Fire Department for use in its hazmat unit.

Chief Andy Frost III said it will be loaded with equipment and placed in a outlying department in the township for use as an initial response vehicle.

Trustees scheduled demolition of a home at 233 N. Main St.